Rain Returns as a Killer in New Hollywood Movie

How did he endure the rigorous training? "There were many times when I wanted to quit during the eight months of shooting because it was so painful, but there were three reasons why I couldn't," he told reporters Tuesday. "First of all, I promised to my fans four years ago that I will do a film that can compete in the global market. Secondly, it had to do with my self-esteem. Trainers were teasing me, saying they had trained Brad Pitt and Matt Damon and I was the worst one. I wondered how well they did, and did my best, watching Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan's movies. Lastly, I read distorted articles about me every morning, and wanted to prove them wrong."

Rain said he did over 90 percent of stunts in the film himself. "I thought I could die. I worked that hard," he said. "I had to lose all of body fat in order to make my body light. I didn't break anything during the shooting, but I had a lot of cuts here and there."

His first Hollywood movie "Speed Racer," where he played a supporting role, was a flop, but Rain thinks it was nevertheless a worthwhile experience. "The movie helped me make my name known in Hollywood and, I think, I was also able to land the lead in 'Ninja Assassin' thanks to it," he said. "I anticipate a box office success with this movie, and if it succeeds, I believe that it will open doors for other Korean and Asian actors."

Asked about the graphic violence throughout the film, Rain said, "Of course it's not a movie for the whole family, but action fans will really love this."

The Wachowskis told him to forget about the pop star status and the man Jeong Ji-hoon. "You are a killer," they said. He said he actually lived like a killer for those eight months. "Now the shoot has ended, I still feel like I have to fight, and when the film gets released, I think I'll have a lot of new male fans. I also think a lot of women fans will be able to relieve stress watching the film."